RADIO
Bailey Ober to Throw Another Bullpen on Tuesday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and is scheduled to throw another bullpen on Tuesday, according to Theodore Tollefson. Ober's bullpen over the weekend was his first time throwing off the mound since he landed on the 15-day injured list on May 31 with a mild flexor strain in his right elbow. He's making progress, but we won't have a better read on when he might be able to rejoin Minnesota's starting rotation until he faces live hitters. It's unclear if Ober will need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning. If the 30-year-old veteran only needs one rehab start in the minors, he will have a shot to return to the big leagues before the All-Star break next month. The former 12th-rounder in 2017 out of the College of Charleston has gone 6-3 this year with a 4.59 ERA (4.96 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 18 walks in 66 2/3 frames across 12 starts. Ober isn't a hard thrower and has a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate so far in 2026, so his fantasy ceiling remains limited. He's currently rostered in under 20% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs.
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Source: Theodore Tollefson
TJ Rumfield Emerging as a Must-Add First Baseman in Deeper Leagues
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield has been a revelation so far in 2026, hitting .279/.357/.480 with 12 home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored across 305 plate appearances. The 26-year-old was stuck in the New York Yankees' farm system from 2022 through 2025 and never got a chance to make his MLB debut with New York despite posting an .825 OPS across 587 plate appearances at Triple-A last season. However, Rumfield was acquired by Colorado over the offseason and has emerged as the Rockies' everyday first baseman. With a 6.2% barrel rate and a 31.9% hard-hit rate, Rumfield's underlying contact metrics do not suggest high-end power upside. Still, he limits swing-and-miss (14.8% strikeout rate), and his hitter-friendly home park in Colorado should help keep his production relatively stable. Particularly in deeper leagues, Rumfield profiles as a solid waiver wire target in the midst of his breakout campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Jeffers Taking Swings, Making Progress
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (hand) is making progress and is taking swings in the batting cage as well as catching bullpen sessions, according to Theodore Tollefson. Jeffers has been sidelined on the 10-day injured list since May 19 with a hand injury that required surgery. The 29-year-old right-handed-hitting backstop still has some boxes to check, most notably facing live pitching, before he returns, and he could need a short minor-league rehab assignment as well. It remains to be seen if Jeffers will return from the IL before the All-Star break in mid-July. In the meantime, veteran Victor Caratini has swung the bat well for the Twins as their primary catcher with Jeffers out. Before injuring his hand, Jeffers was swinging the bat well, slashing .295/.408/.541 with a .949 OPS, seven home runs, 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 122 at-bats. Fantasy managers looking for an upgrade at the catcher position might want to stash Jeffers now. He's currently rostered in 29% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Lars Nootbaar a Priority Target on the Waiver Wire Following Return From Injury
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar did not make his 2026 debut until June 5 after having offseason surgery on both heels. However, the 28-year-old has performed well since his return, hitting .269/.371/.442 with two home runs, seven RBI, and 10 runs scored across 62 plate appearances. The lefty-swinging Nootbaar posted a .580 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2025 and has logged just 11 plate appearances against southpaws so far in 2026, so he profiles as a big-side platoon bat. Still, Nootbaar has been a productive player when healthy. He owns a career 12.9% walk rate across over 2,000 big-league plate appearances. He's also logged a double-digit barrel rate and a hard-hit rate over 50% since the start of the 2025 season. If he can avoid the injury bug the rest of the way, Nootbaar should be a solid source of power and counting stats for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mick Abel Not Dealing With Ligament Damage in his Elbow
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) is dealing with swelling in his elbow but doesn't have any ligament damage, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Abel was getting close to coming off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the Twins' starting rotation, but he had a setback last Friday, which prompted the team to send him for an MRI exam. It's good news that the 24-year-old isn't dealing with any ligament damage, but it remains to be seen if he will return to the major-league roster before next month's All-Star break. He's been on the shelf since April 20 and has made two minor-league rehab starts for Triple-A St. Paul, allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits while walking none and striking out 10 in eight innings pitched. The former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 has only appeared in four games (three starts) for the Twins this year, but when healthy, he should have a spot waiting for him in Minnesota's starting rotation, making him a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues when he nears his return again. Abel is currently rostered in just 16% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Joe Ryan Scratched From his Start on Tuesday With Illness
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (illness) has been scratched from his start on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to an illness, according to Aaron Gleeman. Left-hander Kendry Rojas will make the start on Tuesday in place of Ryan in what will likely be a bullpen game. It's unclear whether Ryan will be pushed back to the team's series finale at Target Field on Wednesday against the Dodgers or if he'll be ready to pitch later this week against the Colorado Rockies. The 30-year-old has been a must-start for fantasy managers in 2026 in his sixth year in the big leagues, as Ryan has gone 5-3 with a career-low 2.99 ERA (2.81 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 99 strikeouts and only 18 walks in 87 1/3 innings across 16 starts. He has at least seven strikeouts in five of his last six outings, and he's allowed eight earned runs while walking four and striking out 29 in 23 innings in his four starts in June. Whenever Ryan toes the rubber again, fantasy managers should be putting him back in their starting lineups.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Kasparas Jakucionis Shipped to Milwaukee
Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a blockbuster deal to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat are sending Jakucionis, Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and three first-round picks to the Bucks in exchange for Antekokounmpo and Bobby Portis. The Heat selected Jakucionis with the 20th overall pick during last year's draft. He averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 17.8 minutes per game in 53 games with the Heat this past season. Jakucionis probably isn't quite ready for a starting role yet, but he's a solid young prospect. The 20-year-old should be part of the rotation and will hopefully earn a larger role over time in Milwaukee.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Can Davante Adams Continue to Rely on Touchdowns for Another WR1 Finish in 2026?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams scored nine of his league-leading 14 receiving touchdowns from within the five-yard line, and while that makes him an obvious regression candidate for 2026, his 42 career scores from within that same range are the most of any player since 2000. It is not by chance that Adams ranks seventh on the all-time receiving touchdown list. His legendarily quick release package and encyclopedic knowledge of defensive back tendencies have made him one of the most unguardable players in the red zone for most of his career, and even if he's begun to show signs of decline between the 20s, he is still as safe a bet as any to lead the league in scoring grabs again. Touchdowns have long been one of the least predictable elements of fantasy football, but the 33-year-old Adams has 12 seasons of history on his side, and at RotoBaller's WR15, he remains one of the highest upside plays from outside the opening rounds of 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Traded to the Bucks
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat are sending Jaquez, Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks to the Bucks in exchange for the superstar forward and Bobby Portis. Jaquez posted an ugly sophomore campaign, but rebounded this past year. He averaged a career-high 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 28.3 minutes per game in 75 games with the Heat. The Bucks have a void in the frontcourt after these moves, so Jaquez and Ware should both have steady roles in Milwaukee. Jaquez is coming off a promising 2025-2026 season and should see his fantasy value on the rise.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Didier Fuentes Is A Sneaky Stash in His New Role
Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes has showcased electric stuff this season and has intriguing fantasy upside as the youngest pitcher in the majors this season. He just turned 21 less than a week ago, but has appeared in 22 games this season for Atlanta, working in relief in all but one of those outings. While his long-term future is likely in the rotation, he has been effective out of the bullpen lately, allowing just two runs in his last 16 appearances for a 1.06 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 17 innings. He has earned three holds and a save over that stretch, and he could continue to work his way into more high-leverage situations as the season goes on. The Braves could also opt to move the youngster back to the rotation if a need arises, giving him multiple ways that he can help your team down the road. In deep leagues, he can be a sneaky stash now that he's having success in the MLB.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rhamondre Stevenson Remains a Mid-Round Value in 2026 Drafts
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was able to overcome early-season fumbling concerns in 2025 and led the team in running back snaps on his way to a very usable RB25 finish, despite missing three games. While calls for a TreVeyon Henderson breakout are growing louder and easier to buy into, there's a world where the 2025 second-round pick takes his game to a stratospheric level without meaningfully impacting Stevenson. In what will be quarterback Drake Maye's second full season as a starter, there is a sense around the team that he has taken ownership of Josh McDaniels' offense, and with New England acquiring A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs to go with Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, they could boast the most physically imposing receiver room in the league. Having spent a first-round pick to shore up the offensive line after making free agent investments at fullback and tight end, this appears to be a unit looking for creative ways to adopt a bully-ball persona. In what should remain one of the league's most efficient and explosive offenses, there's a realistic possibility for both backs to crack 1,000 yards from scrimmage while pushing for double-digit touchdowns, and at RotoBaller's RB28, Stevenson remains a value in the middle rounds of 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Baez "On the Doorstep" of Promotion to Major Leagues
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Joshua Baez is getting very close to arriving in the majors, according to MLB Network's Jim Bowden, and he could be a huge source of power from the waiver wire in all formats. The 22-year-old is hitting .274 in his 67 games in Triple-A with 25 home runs, 64 RBI, and a .407 wOBA. Baez has also added 12 stolen bases and shown off five-tool ability, which gives him huge breakout potential. MLB Pipeline ranked Baez as the No. 64 prospect in baseball and the No. 3 prospect in the Cardinals' farm system. The Cardinals have an exciting young lineup coming together, and Baez could be the next big piece to arrive. Since his call-up seems imminent, you can stash the slugger now in deep formats with plenty of bench room and be ready to grab him as soon as he's called up in standard-sized mixed leagues.
Source: Jim Bowden
Source: Jim Bowden
Bobby Portis Gets Dealt to Heat
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Bobby Portis is headed to the Miami Heat in part of a blockbuster trade. Portis moves to Milwaukee with fellow teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo in a huge deal to acquire four players and three first-round picks from the Heat. The veteran forward has spent each of the last six years as a member of the Bucks. He's not a superstar, but Portis has played a consistent role in Milwaukee and helped them win a championship in the past. Last season, Portis averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 24.2 minutes per game in 67 contests. The Heat shipped Kel'el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to Milwaukee in this deal, so Portis should have a consistent role in the rotation. His fantasy value is unlikely to change significantly, but he should still be a reliable fantasy asset.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Is Rico Dowdle a Player to Target in the Middle Rounds of 2026 Drafts?
Veteran running back Rico Dowdle has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons, playing for two different teams, and he looks to keep that streak alive after signing a two-year, $12.3 million deal this offseason to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Dallas, Dowdle shared the backfield with three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott, while last year in Carolina, he joined a room with Chuba Hubbard, who was fresh off an RB15 finish and a four-year contract extension. While he was able to ultimately wrestle primary duties from both, Elliott was well past his prime, while Hubbard spent much of the year slowed by a calf injury. In Pittsburgh, even as he reunites with former head coach Mike McCarthy, Dowdle could face notably stiffer competition for playing time from jack-of-all-trades Jaylen Warren, who himself finished as the RB16 in 2025 while splitting work with one of the league's most proficient pass catchers, Kenneth Gainwell. However, in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense unlikely to push the ball downfield, both backs are likely to see heavy involvement, and with neither currently being drafted inside the top 30 of the position, both stand a strong chance to outperform ADP. Dowdle is RotoBaller's RB33 for 2026, but with multiple paths to fantasy relevance, he could prove to be one of the year's better mid-round values.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Vest Locks Down Four-Out Save, a Worthy Handcuff Closer to Stash?
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest closed out the Yankees on Monday night to earn his second save of the season. The 31-year-old righty impressed by closing out the eighth inning with a strikeout of Jasson Dominguez with two runners on base and then working a 1-2-3 ninth inning with another strikeout to end the game against Amed Rosario. Vest is currently the Tigers' top setup option in front of Kenley Jansen, but he has been very effective, allowing a run in just one of his last seven outings. If you are looking for a handcuff stash for the veteran Jansen or trying to get ahead of a potential shift in a deep league, Vest's recent run deserves a look since he could continue to get high-leverage looks for the Tigers and even more chances to close out games if Jansen struggles or gets injured again.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kel'el Ware is Acquired by Bucks
Miami Heat forward/center Kel'el Ware has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster deal surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat will send Ware, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks to the Bucks in exchange for the superstar forward. The 22-year-old should get a real chance to thrive in Milwaukee now that he's not stuck behind Bam Abebayo on the depth chart. This past season, Ware averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks across 22.1 minutes per game in 77 games (34 starts) with the Heat. Among all the players in this deal, Ware might end up benefiting the most in terms of fantasy value. He'll have a clear path to legitimate playing time with Antekokounmpo gone and Myles Turner's future being uncertain in Milwaukee. Even if Turner remains on the roster, Ware figures to be favored over him as the Bucks move towards a youth movement.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Has Cooper Kupp Become a Fantasy Non-Factor for 2026?
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp played in 16 games in 2025, but his 593 receiving yards were the lowest since his 2018 sophomore season, in which he missed eight games after tearing his ACL halfway through. His first season in Seattle also marked his first 16-game campaign since winning the receiving Triple Crown in 2021, but even without succumbing to the injuries that have slowed him of late, the ninth-year veteran has seen a notable decline in his ability to separate or add meaningful production after the catch. Heading into his 10th season at 33 years old, Kupp remains an important complementary piece for Seattle behind Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but that real-life importance is unlikely to translate to fantasy outside of the occasional best-ball spike week, and the two-time Super Bowl champion is RotoBaller's WR72 for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alex Lange Sharp En Route to Earning Sixth Save, Remains a Must-Roster Closer?
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Alex Lange has emerged from a crowded committee to be the team's go-to option at the end of the game, and the 30-year-old righty picked up another save on Monday. He came on in the ninth inning of a one-run game against the Rays and retired the side in order with one strikeout. On the season, he has a 3.86 ERA and 3.76 FIP, and he has earned all six of his saves in his 10 outings in June while allowing two earned runs and striking out 12 in 10 innings. Lange seems to have a firm grasp on the closer job for now in Kansas City, making him a great pickup from the waiver wire if you need saves in the short-term. In the long term, he could end up as an available arm on the open market if the Royals decide to sell, or he could also lose his role to Carlos Estevez (shoulder), who is on the 60-day IL and working his way back from a shoulder injury. For now, though, Lange is one of the best options for saves on most leagues' waiver wires.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyler Herro is Heading to Milwaukee
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster deal to acquire superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat will send Herro with Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks to Milwaukee. Herro will now get the keys to run an offense with this trade to the Bucks. He'll be the clear No. 1 option, which should be a benefit to this fantasy value. This past season, Herro averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 31.3 minutes per game in 33 contests. The biggest problem for Herro has been staying healthy, as he's only played over 60 games in a single season three times during his career. Herro is set to be a free agent in the 2027 offseason, so we'll see if the two sides end up reaching a long-term extension.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
A Familiar Story of Risk/Reward Follows Christian McCaffrey into 2026
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has become one of fantasy's greatest paradoxes. In 2025, he played in all 17 games and finished as the RB1 by a substantial margin, marking the fifth time in the last eight seasons that he's played at least 16 games, with accompanying finishes of RB1, RB1, RB2, RB1, and RB3. McCaffrey is one of the most unique weapons in the game, as dangerous aligned out wide as he is from the backfield, making him nearly impossible to remove from the field despite yearly discussions about limiting his workload. Unfortunately, his unquestioned bell cow role has come with predictable wear and tear and a number of catastrophic injuries, and three times over those eight years, he's played in seven or fewer games. McCaffrey is now 30 years old and coming off the heaviest workload of his career, handling more than 430 opportunities in 2025, and his fantasy outlook remains familiar: if he makes it through another full season, he's as strong a bet as anyone to finish as the RB1, but getting there means facing the type of physical strain that very few human beings on the planet are equipped to handle. With injury risk pitted against upside, McCaffrey is RotoBaller's RB3 for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Clayton Beeter the Closer to Roster in Washington?
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Clayton Beeter closed out his team's 4-1 victory over the Phillies on Monday night by working a clean ninth inning with one hit allowed and one strikeout. Beeter entered with a three-run lead and gave up a leadoff single to Bryce Harper, who was erased on a double-play ball before Beeter struck out pinch-hitter Justin Crawford to end the game. The 27-year-old righty has successfully converted back-to-back save chances and has not allowed a run in four of his last five outings with eight strikeouts, a 1.00 WHIP and 1.70 FIP. He remains the team's top closing option, and should be available on Tuesday after needing just six pitches to earn his sixth save of the season on Monday. He's a solid end-of-game option if you need saves from your fantasy bullpen, and he should continue to get opportunities for the surprising Nats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mouhamadou Gueye Traded to Minnesota and Set to be Waived
Chicago Bulls center Mouhamadou Gueye is headed to Minnesota in a trade and is expected to be waived, per Jake Fischer and Dane Moore. The move completes the three-team deal that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn, with Gueye's non-guaranteed 2026-27 salary serving as the final piece of the math. The journeyman forward latched on with Chicago late in the season and played just two games, posting 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in those cameos after a productive G League season. Once he clears waivers, Gueye will become a free agent with no fantasy value, likely ticketed for another two-way or G League stop.
Source: Dane Moore
Source: Dane Moore
Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded to the Heat in Blockbuster Deal
Center/power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is joining the Miami Heat in a blockbuster trade, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Milwaukee is sending Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and a haul of three first-round picks, a swap, and a second-rounder. The two-time MVP pairs with Bam Adebayo to form one of the NBA's best frontcourts and stays a top-tier fantasy option, though his 36-game season last year is a durability flag. The bigger fantasy news sits in Milwaukee, where a rebuild hands Herro the offense as the clear No. 1 option after he topped 20 points a game in each of the past five seasons. Ware also stands to start at center, lifting his rebounding and shot-blocking value, while Jaquez Jr. should see steadier minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Ayo Dosunmu Re-Signs with Timberwolves on Five-Year Deal
The Minnesota Timberwolves are bringing back guard Ayo Dosunmu on a reported five-year, $112 million deal that includes a player option in the fifth year, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Re-signing Dosunmu was a top priority for Minnesota, which cleared salary by trading Julius Randle to Brooklyn. The deadline acquisition broke out after arriving from Chicago, averaging 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 52.1 percent shooting in 24 games before a strong postseason that included a 43-point game against Denver. Dosunmu is an efficient two-way guard whose value climbs with Donte DiVincenzo recovering from an Achilles injury and facing a lengthy absence. That opens a path to heavy minutes next to Anthony Edwards, making Dosunmu a useful source of points, threes, assists, and steals with strong percentages.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Sam Antonacci a Must-Add Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Second-Half Breakout?
Across 235 plate appearances in 2026, Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci has hit .291/.391/.422 with four home runs, 22 RBI, 37 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. The 23-year-old does not project to provide fantasy managers with much power, as he owns a 36.4% hard-hit rate and slugged just five home runs across 519 minor league plate appearances in 2025. Still, Antonacci has established himself as the near-everyday leadoff hitter in an underrated White Sox lineup. He's also struck out in just 15.7% of his plate appearances. Between his ability to hit for average and steal bases, Antonacci has a clear use case for deeper league fantasy managers. In leagues where he remains available, Antonacci profiles as a potential breakout candidate to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alejandro Kirk Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk was one of the key cogs in his team's lineup in 2025, posting a .769 OPS with 15 home runs and 76 RBI across 506 plate appearances. However, the 27-year-old's 2026 season was disrupted after he suffered a fractured and dislocated left thumb in early April. Kirk missed over two months due to the injury, but he was activated by the Blue Jays on June 12. Kirk hasn't gotten going at the plate yet, as he owns a .205/.265/.318 slash line with one home run, six RBI, and three runs scored across 49 plate appearances. Still, Kirk profiles as one of the better sources of batting average for fantasy managers at the catcher position. In 2025, he logged a 50.8% hard-hit rate while striking out in just 11.7% of his plate appearances. In any league where Kirk is still on the waiver wire, he should be considered a priority pick-up for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mohamed Diawara Plans to Re-Sign with Knicks
New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara plans to re-sign on a multiyear deal worth more than $10 million, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Diawara made the title team as a 2025 second-rounder on a standard deal but played a limited role, averaging 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 9.2 minutes across 69 games. He saw only limited playoff action, and his production remained modest, though his 37 percent shooting from deep hinted at long-term 3-and-D upside for the 21-year-old French forward. On a stacked New York roster, Diawara carries no fantasy weight right now. His re-signing is a low-cost developmental bet, not a move that shifts any rotation outlook.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Chase DeLauter Progressing, Could Return During Upcoming Guardians Homestand
Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said that outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) is progressing and has a chance to return during the team's upcoming homestand, which begins on Friday. The 24-year-old has been on the 10-day injured list since June 14 due to a fractured rib. Across 270 plate appearances before the injury, DeLauter hit .263/.337/.408 with seven home runs, 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Injuries have been a major issue for DeLauter, who has already set career-high marks in plate appearances and games played as a professional this season. DeLauter's lack of power (5.8% barrel rate) has been a bit of a surprise after he posted a 12.5% barrel rate and 51.9% hard-hit rate across 177 Triple-A plate appearances in 2025. However, his 10.4% walk rate and 13.3% strikeout rate indicate high-end plate skills. If DeLauter can find his power stroke in the second half of the season, he could emerge as a breakout fantasy outfielder.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Nicolas Claxton Traded to Bulls in Three-Team Deal
The Chicago Bulls are adding center Nicolas Claxton in a three-team trade, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Brooklyn is routing Claxton to Chicago in the same deal that sends Julius Randle from Minnesota to the Nets. The 27-year-old is a mobile, switchable defensive anchor who averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, a career-high 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 57.1 percent shooting last season. His scoring stays modest, but the blocks, rebounding, and strong field-goal percentage carry real fantasy value if he locks down a starting role in Chicago. Claxton's improved passing, which produced two triple-doubles in Brooklyn, adds a sneaky assist source for a center. Just watch where he slots in the Bulls' frontcourt before counting on a full workload.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Julius Randle Heads to Brooklyn in Three-Team Trade
Center/power forward Julius Randle is headed to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a three-team trade, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Minnesota is sending Randle and the No. 28 pick to Brooklyn while moving down for the Nets' No. 33 selection, a cost-cutting move that could open more frontcourt usage for Naz Reid. The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season, though his playoff production reportedly dipped during a rough second-round series against San Antonio. On a rebuilding Nets team short on established scorers, Randle would step in as a clear focal point, the kind of high-usage role that should keep his counting stats strong. He profiles as a steady fantasy contributor across points, rebounds, and assists, with Brooklyn's volume potentially giving his numbers a higher floor than he had in Minnesota.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
